BALLPARKS: BIG LEAGUES, BITTY BURGERS

The joys of a ballpark visit have long included partaking in a major-league snackfest: peanuts, Cracker Jack, hot dogs--plus a beer or three to wash it all down. But at stadiums across the country last week, food vendors took a little-league approach to feeding fans by offering an array of new pint-size snacks. At Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles and PNC Park in Pittsburgh, Levy Restaurants introduced three-inch "dinkie dogs" (normally seven inches) and 1.5-ounce "bitty burgers" (normally 5.3 ounces) that it plans to roll out this season at dozens of stadiums nationwide. (Bitty burgers may help shrink waistlines, but, at $7 for a trio, they're no less damaging to the wallet.) "Big portions are out, but mini-foods with big flavors are in," says Levy chef John McLean. At Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Cardinals fans on low-carb diets can try new lettuce-wrapped burgers or chicken sandwiches on low-carb bread. But for some fans, like John Venti, 63, who's been a Dodgers season-ticket holder since 1960, tradition will always be more important than trends. "My wife and I always eat a Dodger Dog, and that's what we plan to keep doing."